CVE-2025-4244 is a SQL Injection vulnerability identified in version 1.0 of the code-projects Online Bus Reservation System, specifically within the /seatlocation.php file. The vulnerability arises due to improper sanitization or validation of the 'ID' parameter, allowing an attacker to inject malicious SQL code remotely without requiring authentication or user interaction. This flaw enables the attacker to manipulate backend database queries, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, data modification, or disruption of service. Although the CVSS 4.0 base score is 5.3 (medium severity), the vulnerability's characteristics—remote exploitability without authentication—indicate a significant risk. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system's data, as attackers could extract sensitive passenger or reservation information, alter booking data, or cause denial of service by corrupting database queries. No patches or mitigations have been publicly disclosed yet, and no known exploits are currently observed in the wild. However, the public disclosure of the exploit code increases the risk of exploitation by opportunistic attackers.

For European organizations using the code-projects Online Bus Reservation System 1.0, this vulnerability poses a considerable risk to operational continuity and data security. Bus reservation systems often handle personally identifiable information (PII) such as passenger names, contact details, travel itineraries, and payment information. Exploitation could lead to data breaches violating GDPR regulations, resulting in legal penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, attackers could disrupt booking services, causing operational downtime and customer dissatisfaction. Given the critical role of public transport in European urban mobility, such disruptions could have cascading effects on commuter flow and logistics. Organizations relying on this software without timely mitigation may face increased risk of targeted attacks, especially in countries with high public transport usage and digitalization of ticketing systems.

1. Immediate code review and patching: Developers should implement proper input validation and parameterized queries or prepared statements in /seatlocation.php to prevent SQL injection. 2. Web Application Firewall (WAF): Deploy a WAF with rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns targeting the 'ID' parameter. 3. Access controls: Restrict access to the vulnerable endpoint to trusted IP ranges or authenticated users where feasible. 4. Monitoring and logging: Enable detailed logging of database queries and web requests to detect anomalous activities indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. Incident response readiness: Prepare to respond to potential breaches by having data backup and recovery plans, and ensure GDPR compliance in breach notification procedures. 6. Upgrade or replace: Evaluate upgrading to a newer, patched version of the software or migrating to a more secure reservation system if available. 7. User awareness: Inform system administrators and users about the vulnerability and encourage vigilance against suspicious system behavior.